Nanomembranes as Eco-Friendly Instruments for Modern Food Processing, from Filtration to Packaging

With the increasing demand for safe, high-quality, and sustainable food, nanomembranes have attracted significant interest as innovative solutions in food processing. They are extremely thin structures created from special materials that allow for the selective filtration of very small particles. In...

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Main Author: Simona Gavrilaș
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Membranes
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0375/15/6/167
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author Simona Gavrilaș
author_facet Simona Gavrilaș
author_sort Simona Gavrilaș
collection DOAJ
description With the increasing demand for safe, high-quality, and sustainable food, nanomembranes have attracted significant interest as innovative solutions in food processing. They are extremely thin structures created from special materials that allow for the selective filtration of very small particles. In the food industry, such approaches are increasingly used for packaging and processing, as they can slow down food degradation and thus extend its shelf life. This article examines the potential of utilizing nanomembranes as ecological tools at various stages of the food chain, ranging from advanced filtration of food liquids to the development of smart and active packaging. This study reviews the recent research in the field, highlighting the applications developed and presenting targeted advantages and disadvantages. The developed applications primarily focus on extending the shelf life of products while also discussing their antioxidant and antibacterial attributes. By highlighting the latest applications and emerging research directions, this article underscores the pivotal role of nanomembranes in facilitating the transition to a modern, sustainable, and environmentally responsible food industry. However, current research faces several challenges. Most products are less biodegradable and, consequently, could harm the environment. Additionally, data on the long-term effects of these materials on human health, particularly when used in packaging that comes into direct contact with food, remain insufficient. Therefore, more sustainable solutions are needed, such as nanomembranes based on natural biopolymers. Further studies are required to assess their safety and real-world effectiveness under industrial conditions.
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spelling doaj-art-dc34a4cd626445f89d19e99cd674be5d2025-08-20T03:27:22ZengMDPI AGMembranes2077-03752025-06-0115616710.3390/membranes15060167Nanomembranes as Eco-Friendly Instruments for Modern Food Processing, from Filtration to PackagingSimona Gavrilaș0Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 2-4 E. Drăgoi Str., 310330 Arad, RomaniaWith the increasing demand for safe, high-quality, and sustainable food, nanomembranes have attracted significant interest as innovative solutions in food processing. They are extremely thin structures created from special materials that allow for the selective filtration of very small particles. In the food industry, such approaches are increasingly used for packaging and processing, as they can slow down food degradation and thus extend its shelf life. This article examines the potential of utilizing nanomembranes as ecological tools at various stages of the food chain, ranging from advanced filtration of food liquids to the development of smart and active packaging. This study reviews the recent research in the field, highlighting the applications developed and presenting targeted advantages and disadvantages. The developed applications primarily focus on extending the shelf life of products while also discussing their antioxidant and antibacterial attributes. By highlighting the latest applications and emerging research directions, this article underscores the pivotal role of nanomembranes in facilitating the transition to a modern, sustainable, and environmentally responsible food industry. However, current research faces several challenges. Most products are less biodegradable and, consequently, could harm the environment. Additionally, data on the long-term effects of these materials on human health, particularly when used in packaging that comes into direct contact with food, remain insufficient. Therefore, more sustainable solutions are needed, such as nanomembranes based on natural biopolymers. Further studies are required to assess their safety and real-world effectiveness under industrial conditions.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0375/15/6/167food waste valorizationcontaminants withdrawenvironmental impactpreservationthin layer
spellingShingle Simona Gavrilaș
Nanomembranes as Eco-Friendly Instruments for Modern Food Processing, from Filtration to Packaging
Membranes
food waste valorization
contaminants withdraw
environmental impact
preservation
thin layer
title Nanomembranes as Eco-Friendly Instruments for Modern Food Processing, from Filtration to Packaging
title_full Nanomembranes as Eco-Friendly Instruments for Modern Food Processing, from Filtration to Packaging
title_fullStr Nanomembranes as Eco-Friendly Instruments for Modern Food Processing, from Filtration to Packaging
title_full_unstemmed Nanomembranes as Eco-Friendly Instruments for Modern Food Processing, from Filtration to Packaging
title_short Nanomembranes as Eco-Friendly Instruments for Modern Food Processing, from Filtration to Packaging
title_sort nanomembranes as eco friendly instruments for modern food processing from filtration to packaging
topic food waste valorization
contaminants withdraw
environmental impact
preservation
thin layer
url https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0375/15/6/167
work_keys_str_mv AT simonagavrilas nanomembranesasecofriendlyinstrumentsformodernfoodprocessingfromfiltrationtopackaging